Modular Industrial Vehicle Adaptive Control via Module Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular industrial vehicles lack the ability to communicate information to a managing controller, limiting customization and operating mode changes based on configuration and technical specifications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating controllers within modules that communicate with a managing controller to provide operating modes and allow for customization based on configuration and technical specifications, with access to a computer database for additional module data and capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If modular vehicles use interchangeable parts without communication capability, then the vehicle structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the ability to customize and change operating modes based on configuration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle structure simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into independent modular components (power unit, chassis, working mechanisms, cab) that can be freely combined and reconfigured. Each module contains its own controller that communicates with a central managing controller, enabling customized configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces and communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If controllers are added to each module to enable communication with the managing controller, then customization and operating mode flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontroller system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A standardized communication protocol and interface design is implemented across all controllers, allowing the same hardware architecture to serve multiple functions. The managing controller coordinates all modules through a universal communication framework, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller architecture is organized hierarchically with individual module controllers nested within the overall vehicle management system. Each module controller handles local functions while the managing controller provides global coordination, creating a nested control structure that manages complexity through layered organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If permanent mounting of working mechanisms is used, then the vehicle structure is simpler and more reliable, but the ability to adapt to different tasks is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle structure stabilityVSAvoidtask adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle configuration transitions from static permanent mounting to dynamic reconfigurable mounting. Working mechanisms can be attached and detached through standardized interfaces, and the controller system dynamically adapts to the current configuration, maintaining reliability through consistent connection standards while enabling task adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9637190B2Modular industrial vehicle with adaptive operating mode and adaptive controls

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 BUILD STRONG

AI summary

A modular industrial vehicle having one or more modules that communicate with a managing controller to provide an operating mode for the modular industrial vehicle based configuration and technical specifications of the one or more modules.